Holsters

There are a lot of manufacturers out there who make Kydex holsters and gear. Fobus is one of the best known, making accessories for many firearms.

When I first became interested in firearms, a Fobus holster was on the top of my list. Unfortunately, they didn't make one that fit my gun, so I was forced to look elsewhere. As time drew on and I bought additional firearms, I found a firearm that I wanted to carry everyday. This firearm came with a Fobus holster. I used it and it worked out alright, but it wasn't all I hoped for.

I started talking to different people at gun stores and firearms training specialists. The biggest critique of Fobus from my many encounters was that the plastic was too soft. Half of the people I had talked to had heard of Fobus holsters being torn off the paddles or belt loops with a sharp and fast circular twisting. Of those I spoke with, two had the actual holsters in their stores and showed me - a strong point to consider something else.

Of all the holsters I have tried on and researched, my personal favorite and currently used holster is the BlackHawk SERPA line, specifically the BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster - Active Retention - Carbon Fiber Finish. I like this holster line because they reinforce their kydex holsters with carbon fiber (all of them, not just the carbon fiber finished ones), adding immense strength. I also like that the holsters come with a highly configurable paddle and belt loop attachment. And, if you choose to go tactical later on, you can buy the leg holster add-on for your existing holster - very cool (for example: Sgt. Jensen has a leg holster and he's cool).

The price is not bad - you're looking at around $50 for the holster, and they have matching mag and light holsters in an array of colors.

Anyways, I hope my input has been helpful, I love my holster and will never again use a Fobus.

swillden said:

The video isn't clear on what the second retention mechanism is. Can anyone explain it? I'm still looking for a good holster for open carry, and good retention is a key consideration.

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Level 1 Retention: the pressure that is exerted on the frame of the gun thus keeping it in the holster (strong enough to hold the weapon upside down but not necessarily if shaken). Per BlackHawk: a tension-adjustable passive retention system that allows you to select the amount of retention on you gun. Our system uses a screw-adjustable detent that grabs the trigger guard of your pistol.


Level 2 Retention: the weapon is drawn after the trigger finger pushes the SERPA release. If you try (or a bad guy tries) to pull the gun out before activating the SERPA release then the release mechanism itself is locked. Basically it is a mechanism that holds onto the front of your trigger guard. When the SERPA release is engaged by your finger, the trigger guard is allowed to move away from the mechanism.


Level 3 Retention: three different and independent retention devices built into the holster. In this case the three retention devices are: 1) tension. Adjust it with any philip's head screwdriver. 2) The SERPA lock which secures the trigger guard of the weapon until activated / released by the shooter during the draw stroke. 3) What BlackHawk calls a "Pivot Guard" which is a spring-loaded chunk of polymer which pivots up and over the back of the weapon slide and, again, is released / activated during the natural draw stroke. This holster was specifically designed for Law Enforcement for ultimate retention.



A level 1, or tension only, is a good entry level holster for consumers and would work very well as a concealed or inside the waistband holster. If you are thinking of wearing on the belt or open carry, a SERPA level 2 would probably be better to avoid the simple snatch and grab. Level 2 systems are used by the military. If you are planning on being in the rough and tumble with bad guys (Law Enforcement), I would probably go with a level 3.

BlackHawk also makes leather (great material and very customizable) and nylon (recommended for covert missions and range use only - IMO) holsters. But, if you are looking at leather, there are so many options out there from major companies like Bianchi all the way down to the guy who makes them out of his garage - and you can get some pretty funky leathers too (Sharkskin, Iguana, etc).

If you have any other questions, please ask.

GeneticsDave said:

Sgt. Jensen has a leg holster and he's cool).

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Yeah, I guess I am pretty cool! Here is my holster in case you want to see it.

swillden said:

The video isn't clear on what the second retention mechanism is. Can anyone explain it? I'm still looking for a good holster for open carry, and good retention is a key consideration.

Click to expand...

The adjustable retention screw located beneath the auto lock is the second form of retention. The tighter you screw it down, the tighter the holster is on the weapon.